Northamptonshire is the worst place in the region for fly-tipping

New figures from DEFRA show more than 23,000 incidents were reported there in the last year - thats up by 400 on the previous year.

The Country Landowners' Association says stronger action needs to be taken against fly tippers.

The new statistics present a mixed picture for our region but the reality is that fly-tipping incidents remain alarmingly high.

Private landowners are liable for any waste dumped on their land and are fed up of clearing away other people’s mess and paying for the privilege.

It is vital that more prosecutions are brought forward successfully to encourage people to do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish through proper legal channels. Councils must send a clear message to fly-tippers that they will face financial consequences.

But to really combat this crime against the countryside we need to see tougher penalties which act as a true deterrent. Imposing and enforcing penalties which better reflect the seriousness of the crime, such as seizing vehicles used to fly-tip, is crucial.

– Tim Woodward, CLA Regional Surveyor

The breakdown of number of incidents reported to local authorities in the CLA East region: